Upcoming Events and Entertainment 3-16

Thursday

Purses with a Purpose returns to Silver Sands Premium Outlets from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 23 in the storefront between Carter’s and Bose, with proceeds to benefit Shelter House. Admission is free.

30A Car Show

The 12th Annual Route 30A Antique and Vintage Car Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 23 in Rosemary Beach. Enjoy live music, demonstrations and numerous award categories at the free event. Rain date is March 24. Call 951-2148.

The Sinfonia celebrates its seventh season (007) and 50 years of James Bond at 7:30 p.m. March 23 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island. Featured will be the music that made the Bond films famous with award-winning singer Debbie Gravitte, who joins the orchestra to perform Bond favorites such as "Diamonds Are Forever," "Secret Agent Man," "Goldfinger," and more. Tickets are $125 at sinfoniagulfcoast.org.

• March 23: Bird and Nature Walk in the Upland Hardwoods of Walton County with master gardener Dave Gordon. See hawks, bluebirds, blooming mountain laurel, native azaleas, and other flora and topography more often associated with piedmont areas. Meet at Food World in Niceville at 7:30 a.m. and the Walton County Extension Office on Hwy 83N at 8 a.m. Be ready for a walk on a forest path. Call 401-1578.

Florida Trail Association

The Florida Trail Association will hold the following events. Visit www.choctaw.floridatrail.org or call the listed number.

• March 29-April 6: Panhandle Trace nine days of hiking for a total of 100 miles. Do all nine days or part. Call 982-9490.

Philosophical Society

The Emerald Coast Philosophical Society presents actor/writer/poet Francois-Marie Benard's new book of original love poems "The Thread of Love," at 3 p.m. March 24 at the Tops'l Resort Banquet Room. Book signing follows. Bring a bottle of wine and/or hors d'oeuvre.

Topsail tours

• Learn about and view the Sun with Bill Nigg from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day in March in the amphitheater at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach. Program requires a $6 entry admission. Call 267-8330.

• View the stars with Bill Nigg from 7:30-9 p.m. every Friday in March in the amphitheater at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach. At 8:30 p.m., Nigg also presents a slide show. Program requires a $6 entry admission. Call 267-8330.

• Join Ranger Tammy and scan the forest for shining eyes at 6 p.m. March 24 at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach. Program requires a $6 entry admission. Call 267-8330. Bring a flashlight or headlamp.

• A hike will focus on the effects of fire in our ecosystem at 1:45 p.m. March 30 at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach. Program requires a $6 entry admission. Call 267-8330.

Groovin’ On The Green

Free concerts, sponsored by The Carillon Beach Institute, will be held from 7-9 p.m. in Carillon Beach. Scheduled performers include:

•March 25: Legacy

• April 1: Cabo Rock

• May 26: Todd Sparks & Shrimp Boat Cowboys

• June 3: Latitude 29

• June 10: Tidewater

• June 17: Saluda

• June 24: Jones & Company

• July 4: Rowdies

• July 8: Sin Wagon

•July 15: Barbwire

• July 22: Beach Mice

• July 29: Ebb Tyed

• Aug. 5: Tony Vegas

• Aug. 12: Cabo Rock

• Aug. 19: Legacy

• Aug. 26: Emerald Gold

• Sept. 1: Rowdies

Artist of the month

Friends of the Coastal Branch Library present the works of Seagrove Beach resident Lisa Mitchell during March at the Library, 437 Greenway Trail in Santa Rosa Beach. She was influenced by both the German Expressionists and French Fauve artists and paints mainly in oils and acrylics. Call 267-2809 for more information.

CampShowtime

The Rep presents Camp Showtime with improv games, basics of theatre and even writing a short play to be performed at the end of week, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday through April 12 at Seaside Repertory Theatre in Seaside. Cost is $200/week. Email seasiderepcamp@gmail.com or call 231-0733 to sign up.

Stories By The Sea

Join the Seaside Rep as they present a one-of-a-kind storytelling experience for children of all ages at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Lyceum Archway in Seaside.

SeasideRep

The Seaside Repertory Theatre presents The Commedia Princess and the Pea at 5 p.m. Mondays through April 8 at the Seaside Amphitheatre. Event is free.

Adventures in Alys

The Seaside Repertory Theatre presents Adventures in Alys at 10 a.m. Monday and Thursday, through April 11, in Alys Beach. Event is free.

Cinema Under the Stars

Bring blankets and low back chairs to enjoy "The Wizard of Oz " under the stars from 7:30-9 p.m. March 26 in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre. Piper's will offer food and drink.

The Seaside Rep presents Robin Hood at 5 p.m. March 27 in North Barrett Square in Rosemary Beach.

Americana Under the Stars

Lydia Smith Songwriters Circle performs at 6 p.m. March 28 at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for the concert series, Americana Under the Stars.

• April 4: Lucky Mud

• April 11: Larry Mangum

• April 18: Ron Johnson

• April 25: Bryan Kennedy

• May 2: Jerry Mincey

• May 9: Lucky Mud

• May 16: Grant Peeples

• May 23: Rebekah Pulley

• May 30: Bob Patterson

• June 6: James Hawkins

• June 13: Lucky Mud

• June 20: Kelly Hundley

• June 27: Jackson Creek/ Dunn Deal

• July 4: Lucky Mud

• July 11: Brian Smalley

Spring Fling Concerts

Enjoy live music on the lawn with The Black Lillies during Spring Fling Concerts from 6-8 p.m. March 28 at North Barrett Square in Rosemary Beach.

• April 4: Chase Rice

• April 11: Gravy

• April 18: Rosco Bandana

• April 25: Dangermuffin

• May 2: The Giving Tree Band

• May 9: Humming House

• May 16: Luella and the Sun

Public Forum Series

The South Walton Community Council welcomes Ms. Julie Terrell and Mike Mullen as guest speakers at 7 p.m. March 28 at the Walton County Coastal Branch Library. The event is free and open to the public.

SeasideRep

The Seaside Repertory Theatre presents Mother Trucker: The Musical at 7:30 p.m. March 28-April 20. Tickets are $35 and available at seasiderep.org, Amavida Coffee or 231-0733.

Totally Tomatoes Workshop

The University of Florida, IFAS/Walton County Extension will present workshops on growing tomatoes locally from 2:30-4 p.m. March 29 at the Extension Office, 732 N 9th Street in DeFuniak Springs, and from 10-11:30 a.m. April at the Coastal Extension Branch, 70 Logan Lane 5 in Grayton Beach. The cost is $10 and includes materials and free tomato plants. Call 892-8172 to reserve your place.

Easter Explosion

Skip, hop, or jump your way to the Village of Baytowne Wharf from 12-3 p.m. March 30. Enjoy face painting, crafts and an inflatable fun zone, plus a stiltwalker making balloon animals and a visit with the Easter Bunny.

Easter in Rosemary

A non-denominational church service will be held at 8:30 a.m. March 31 on the Eastern Green in Rosemary Beach. Bring a low-rise chair.

An Easter Egg Hunt begins at 9:45 a.m. on the Western Green, rain or shine.

Several Town Center restaurants offer a special Easter Brunch.

Bunny Hop/Easter Egg Walk

The novel mile walk, “hop” and egg hunt, sponsored by the new Sandestin Foundation for Kids, will be held March 31 at the Jolee Island Nature Preserve at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Children of all ages will hunt for more than 4,000 eggs, stuffed with candy, little toys, coins, cash or other special prizes, along the trails of Jolee Island. All proceeds go to the Sandestin Foundation for Kids.

Bocce tournament

Enjoy a day of sun, sport and sipping wine at the Seventh Annual Bombora Spring Bocce Tournament beginning at 11 a.m. March 30 on the East and West Long Greens in Rosemary Beach. For information or to register email info@theclinique.net.

APRIL

SeasideNeighborhood School

The deadline to submit applications for the 2013-2014 school year to attend Seaside Neighborhood School (grades 6th-8th) and Seacoast Collegiate High School (grades 9th and 10th) is April 1. Applications for both the middle and high school are located at seasideschool.net under the FORMS tab. Call 231-0396.

Acting classes

The Emerald Coast Theatre Company offers acting classes for middle/high school students from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturdays, April 6-May 25, at the Destin United Methodist Life Center. The adult class, 18 and over, will take place from 6-8 p.m. Mondays April 1-May 20. Class size is limited. Register at www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org, Classes/Camps tab, or call 687-1637.

Artist of the month

The photographs of local 30A resident Jamie Conley will be displayed during April at the Coastal Branch Library, 437 Greenway Trail in Santa Rosa Beach. Call 267-2809.

Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages, a hilarious, feel-good, rock-n-roll love story told through the hits of Journey, STYX, REO Speedwagon, Twisted Sister, Poison, and many more, can be seen at 7:30 p.m. April 1 on the Mainstage at Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWFSC in Niceville. Tickets are $45 each. Group discount of $5 off per ticket is available for groups of 10 or more. Call 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

BiophiliaCenter

The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center hosts authors Dr. E. O. Wilson, namesake of the Biophilia Center, and Tony Hiss from 5-6:15 p.m. April 2 at Freeport High School. Discussion will focus on regional and local ecology. Admission is free and open to the public. Call 1824.

Open House

The Tree House Episcopal Montessori School will host an Open House for prospective parents from 4-6 p.m. April 3 at Christ the King Episcopal Church, 480 North County Hwy. 393 in Santa Rosa Beach. Call 622-9771.

Spring 2013 Music Series

Mary Gauthier will be accompanied by Scott Nolan and Joanna Miller, who will also perform as the opening act, at 4:30 p.m. April 4 at Bud & Alley’s, 2236 E Scenic 30A in Seaside. Doors open at 4 p.m. Tickets are $25/advance and $30/day of show. Tickets available at www.ticketalternative.com.

• April 26: Jennifer Steele, along with a live band, will perform the songs of Patsy Cline at 4:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Soundsations Show Choir

Bring a blanket and enjoy the Northwest Florida State College show choir’s song and dance revue straight from Broadway at 7 p.m. April 5 on St. Augustine Green in Rosemary Beach.

Grand opening/concert

The grand opening of the Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater in Panama City Beach begins at 6:30 p.m. April 5. The Panama City POPS Orchestra performs in concert with lively, family-oriented music, including selections from classics and current hits like Les Miserables, Harry Potter, and Pirates of the Caribbean. A fireworks display launched from the city pier follows the concert. The event is free and open to the public.

Rodeo

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast will host its first Rodeo Expo April 5-6 at the Freeport Sports Complex at Hammock Bay in Freeport. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. each day. Tickets are available online, at partner locations, and gate. Adult tickets $12, and children under 12 are $6.

Arts and Craft Festival

Arts and craft vendors, fun and food will be on tap at the Freeport Arts and Craft Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 6 at Freeport City Hall, 112 Hwy. 20 West. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society/Relay for Life. Call 835-1737 or email judyaultman@gmail.com for vendor space.

Book Lover’s Club

The Coastal Library Book Lover’s Club will be held from 10-11 a.m. April 9 in the community room of the Coastal Branch Library, 437 Greenway Trail in Santa Rosa Beach. New members are welcome along with their friends. Book to be discussed is “The Dressmaker of Khair Khan” by Gayle T. Lemmon. Call 267-2809 or visit www.youseemore.com/walton.

Town Meeting

Walton County District 5 County Commissioner Cindy Meadows will hold a Town Meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. April 11 at the Life Enrichment Senior Center, 312 College Ave. in DeFuniak Springs. Call 231-2978.

Cooking class

Carrabba’s Italian Grill at Silver Sands Premium Outlets will share secrets from its kitchen in a cooking class from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12 to benefit United Way of Okaloosa & Walton Counties. Chef Paul will offer cooking demonstrations of some Italian dishes during an afternoon featuring food samples, a complimentary glass of wine, a raffle and recipes to take home. Tickets are $45. Seating is limited and registration is required at 243-0315 or email rondad@united-way.org.

Dance Facets 2013

The dance students at Northwest Florida State College present the annual dance concert, Dance Facets 2013, featuring original works and choreography, at 7:30 p.m. April 12 and 13 on the Mainstage of the college’s Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. Dancers will perform original dance presentations featuring classical ballet, contemporary, and modern. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/youth, age 18 and younger. Call 729-6000 or purchase online at www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Seabreeze Jazz Festival

The Seabreeze Jazz Festival celebrates its 15th year anniversary beginning at 5 p.m. April 18 and 19 and 11 a.m. April 20 and 21 at the Aaron Beasant Park Amphitheater at Pier Park in Panama City Beach. Get artist lineup and ticket information at 800-653-7519, or purchase tickets at 1-800-595-4849 or tix.com.

NWFSO concert

The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra presents its “Fate and Triumph” Concert April 20 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. The Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale, Belle Voci, NWFSC Madrigal Singers and the Niceville Singers of Niceville High School join the performance. Tickets are $22.50/adults, $16/Active Duty Military and youth ages 18 and younger. Call 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Earth Day Festival

The Biophilia Center hosts a Family Friendly/Fun-Filled Earth Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20 with music, food, animal ambassadors, environmental demos, arts and crafts, facepainting, hikes, children's gardening, edible landfill, Muscogee Indian dancing, Turtle-Bob, Birds of Prey, local vendors and more. Admission is $2; children under 6 free.

Madrigals and Belle Voci

The Madrigals and Belle Voci vocal ensembles of Northwest Florida State College present a free Spring Concert April 21 in the Tyler Recital Hall of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. Repertoire ranges from the Renaissance madrigal to the contemporary gospel spiritual and vocal jazz. The concert is free and open to the public, however donations to support the vocal programs are welcomed.

Art Exhibits

The Arts and Design Society, Inc. of Fort Walton Beach presents its 21st regional juried exhibition April 21-May 31 in the McIlroy Gallery at the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. Awards reception will be held at 2 p.m. April 21.

Relay for Life

The DeFuniak Springs Relay for Life will hold a Team Captain meeting April 23 at the Continental Worship Center, 2132 U.S. 90 in DeFuniak Springs. This year’s theme is “Tune Out Cancer.” Individuals who participate will raise funds over the next few months, culminating in the event at Walton High Schools on April 26 and 27. Call 978-1168.

Honors recital

The Performing Arts Division Honors recital will be held at 3 p.m. April 26 in the Tyler Recital Hall of the music wing at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. The recital is free and open to the public. For information contact the NWFSC Fine Arts Office at 729-5382.

Soundsations Showchoir/Jazz Ensemble Concert

The Soundsations Showchoir and the Jazz Ensemble of Northwest Florida State College join together to present an end-of-year concert at 7:30 p.m. April 29 in the Mainstage Theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWFSC. The variety show will include song, dance, and a line-up of jazz favorites. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/youth 18 and younger. Call 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

MAY

West IndiesMarket

Browse the open-air market and discover booths filled with paintings, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, woodcarvings and other handcrafted items from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 11 and 12 in Rosemary Beach.

WEEKLY

Pajama Time Story Time

Join storyteller Ms. Cheryl at 6 p.m. every Monday in the children’s room of the Coastal Library for some bedtime stories in your pajamas. This will be a quiet time for little readers to relax to a bedtime story in the comfort of their caretaker’s arms. Call 267-2809.

Yoga Express

In celebration of the 30A Songwriters Fest, yoga classes will be offered at 9 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. Sundays at The Studio in Seaside. The drop in rate is $15; mats and towels are available.

Baby Boot Camp

Boot Camp in Santa Rosa Beach offers a 55-minute workout designed specifically to help new and seasoned moms with stroller-age children get back into shape after having a baby at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday mornings and at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Get your pick of fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, native plants and other unique offerings during Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Amphitheatre behind Raw & Juicy. Enjoy special cooking demos and activities.

Amateur Radio Club

The Chautauqua Amateur Radio Club of DeFuniak Springs/Walton County meets at 6:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of every month at McLean's Restaurant near I10 and 331 South. This club welcomes new and old Ham Radio operators. There are no business meetings on these Tuesdays. We have classes and a great time together. Call 892-2562 or email kj4jah@arrl.net.

Rotary Club of South Walton

The Rotary Club of South Walton meets for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. each Thursday morning at the Embassy Suites, Scenic Hwy. 98 in Miramar Beach. Visiting Rotarians and their guests are welcome. Call 267-2929.

Herman Lodge

Herman Lodge #108 Free and Accepted Masons will meet at 7 p.m. first and third Tuesdays of each month on Madison Street in Freeport. Call 835-2314.

Eastern Star

The Order of the Eastern Star #281 meets at 7:30 p.m. the first and third Fridays of each month at Herman Lodge on Madison Street in Freeport. Call 835-2314.

SHRM Chapter

A Society of Human Resource Management Chapter in Walton County will meet at 8 a.m. the first Thursday of the month at TJ’s Table in Freeport. The group is open to all individuals involved in any aspect of human resources. Email rpazik@jobsplus02.com or call 892-8668, ext. 215.

Town Planters

The Town Planters of Freeport will meet at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Blount House on Kylea Laird Road. Call 835-5611.

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